Understanding Grid Tie Inverters

The number of people going solar and switching to various solar systems as their means of power consumption are gradually increasing. Not only for the reason of helping the environment through carbon footprint reduction and lessening the dependency to fossil fuels, but because it has benefits that can be helpful for people as well. But aside from being knowledgeable on the reasons as to how switching to solar is beneficial, it is important to understand what makes up an efficient solar system, what their components are, and the other solar options available. From the solar panels, roofs and windows, to certain elements that compose them including the panels, solar battery storage units, and power inverters like grid tie inverters, these must be understood before you decide to switch to solar. In this way, you will be aware of how these systems will serve as your new source of electric power. 

Power Inverters

A part of those important components of a solar system would be power inverters. They are devices that are responsible for converting direct current to usable electricity, which solar panels generate. Inverters are considered to be the brain of the overall solar project of such systems. And one of the most common types of these power inverters would be grid tie inverters. It has the ability to take direct current from environment-friendly sources, typically from solar panels or wind turbines. Then, the direct current will be converted into alternating current. What makes this type of power inverter different from the others would be because it is tied into the electrical grid, enabling the excess alternating current to be directed back into the certain source.

Grid tie converters are part of those components that you should be utilizing in their utmost form. This is different from an off-grid or standalone solar system, as the structure is not connected to a utility power. They work even without any battery backup equipment, which gives a limitless power consumption. Thus, despite the growing interest in integrating battery technologies even in solar equipment like panels, people who opt in going solar still opt to have a grid-tied setup installed on their roofs. Additionally, since solar systems consisting of grid tied inverters are also referred to as on-grid, utility-interactive, grid intertie, and grid back feeding, they are a popular concept as it is mainly connected to the utility power grid.

How Do Grid Tie Inverters Work?

Knowing how the components of the solar system works, particularly the grid tie inverters, would be a great opportunity to see how having solar panels installed will be able to provide you with benefits that you can enjoy everyday. You will also be able to determine how their performance will be maintained throughout the duration of its installation.

The process of how grid tie inverters work typically starts with the solar panels collecting the sunlight that shines on them. Then, it produces a direct current that will then be converted into alternating current. This is where the electrical power from your home comes from. Then, the conversion happens through the power inverter that has been installed. And when there is any excess use of power produced, it is sent back out into the utility grid. In this case, your meter has the possibility to be sent backward, thus, can significantly lower your electric bill. This means that you can now use clean and efficient solar power.

Moreover, the direction of the energy transfers also depend on the seasons, greatly impacting how much energy is being produced. As the seasons change, so does the amount of sunlight that hits the panels. This also affects the electricity required for cooling and heating. They are considered to be the two biggest users of household energy. In short, when combined, changes in the availability of sunlight and the weather means that the level of imports and exports of grid-tied solar systems varies majorly by season.

What are the Benefits of Having Grid Tie Inverters?

The main purpose of grid tie converters is to help solar panels in turning sunlight into electricity. The power using this type of inverter would not be connected or dependent on any other utility power unlike other inverters. Generally, one of the main benefits that solar systems contribute to households is having to save electricity costs. They rely on the power sourced from the sun. In line with this, having grid tied inverters installed will allow you to save more money on energy costs, doubling the potential. It is also proven that this type of inverter will be able to keep the energy as renewable as possible.

Additionally, it is a great source of solar energy, which is a green and clean source of power overall. Installing this inverter will enable you to help and protect the environment as efficiently as possible. Especially given that it keeps your home hooked up to the grid despite having a green source of energy. Moreover, it is more economical in a sense that it only requires a low cost of equipment and installation. Grid tie offers net metering as well. It does not require the use of batteries, which can help you save a lot. Batteries for solar systems are usually expensive. It will enable you to save more money with solar panels, through better efficiency rates. Along with this, maintenance cost is kept at a minimum. Overall, systems with grid tie inverters are cheap to install and maintain.

What are the Types of Grid Tie Inverters?

There are three common types of grid tie inverters — micro inverter, string inverter, and central inverter. A micro inverter is typically used with a home solar system. Each of this type is linked to a single solar panel for maximum control and reliability. They are different from the string inverter and central inverters in terms of having a single inverter connected to multiple solar panels. And same as the main goal of power inverters, micro inverters convert the generated direct current to alternating current. The alternating current from each micro inverter is put together with the output from the other ones, to send it to the grid.

String Inverters

With string inverters, on the other hand, it is connected to a series of solar panels. Unlike with micro inverters that are linked to just a single panel. The alternating current from this type can be combined with the output from the other ones from the same kind. Coming from what it is called, the string is referred to as the series of solar panels. Additionally, it is a device used with solar arrays as a means of converting the energy that is generated to usable electricity for a household. Then, since they are interconnected with one another, it forces the performance to be equal. Particularly in case there are worst performing panels that are included.

Central Inverters

Lastly, central inverters, are referred to as a type of grid tie inverters that are connected to a series of strings of solar panels. Unlike with the string inverter wherein it connects to just a single string. This is often used in large photovoltaic systems. In this type, the generated power from the direct current from a series of solar panels, are connected in parallel with the output from other series which are merged in one combiner box. The output from the combiner box is then connected to a single central inverter.

Key Takeaway

Given that investing in solar systems provides multiple benefits for both the environment and for households, opting for grid tie inverters to be installed instead of other types of power inverters, has the ability to double the potential. You can become energy self-sufficient in a greater sense. Then, you will realize that it is worth more than saving the money for electric costs. Most particularly when you know that you are doing a part in saving the environment as well. This makes it the reason why it is important to understand what this type of inverter is, and how it works as well. By then you will be able to realize how essential it is. Then, you will know how to be able to utilize it properly.